Last defendant in Pekin-area methcase pleads guilty

PEKIN (GHMI) — Nearly three years after a federal and local effort was launched against the resurging meth business in the Pekin area, the last of 15 defendants charged then pleaded guilty this week.

Eric Eschmeyer, 50, pleaded guilty Monday in federal court in Peoria to conspiracy to manufacture meth. He will be sentenced Sept. 3 as the last of the first round of Pekin-area meth conspirators indicted through Operation Copperhead.

He was one of 11 Pekin residents who, along with four Peorians, were indicted in October 2011.

One of the other defendants, Patrick Stone, 25, of Peoria was sentenced previously to life in prison.

A defendant in another federal meth case sought a second opinion on whether he’s mentally stable enough to plead guilty.

Brian Broadfield, 38, of Washington was set to plead guilty Tuesday to conspiracy to manufacture meth. Instead, he filed a motion seeking an “independent” psychiatric evaluation, in addition to a previous finding that he’s mentally fit to aid in his defense.

U.S. District Judge Michael Mihm set a hearing for Tuesday on the motion.

Broadfield faces at least 10 years in prison if convicted of operating a methamphetamine lab in a Pekin motel room in April 2013. Two other defendants were sentenced to terms of 87 months and 50 months.